Fashion Forward: Gala Gowns

WSVN -- Just like Cinderella going to the ball, every woman wants to look like a princess when she puts on her gown. At Neiman Marcus in Coral Gables, you too can be the belle of the ball, as long as you think in color.

Katharine Rubino: "It's time to move that black dress into the back of your closet and branch out and get some color this season."

Slip on a paisley and floral strapless gown by red-hot designer Naeem Kahn in spring colors like orange, turquoise and pink.

Look like a star in Kahn's ruby red gown with hand-cut Swarovski crystals, the same one worn by Alicia Keys at the BET music awards.

The idea behind his dresses: they're each a work of art.

Katharine Rubino: "Feeling of one-of-a-kind, that's a big trend, so that the designer itself has actually touched each fabric."

Another big trend for spring: lots of feminine detail, like this pearl and sequined, embroidered gown by Oscar de La Renta. Beaded embellishments also make this Marc Bower dress in Caribbean colors sparkle, and don't be shy about going short.

Katharine Rubino: "It is OK to wear a short cocktail dress for the season. You can wear short to any gala. It's appropriate."

At Gloria Couture in Bay Harbor Islands, they've been in the business of making custom-made gowns for more than 30 years.

Gloria Petri: "Depending on your skin tone, your hair color certain colors are better for you, and also the body type, not everyone can wear the same gown."

You'll look like royalty in this red silk and satin strapless gown. Add a 22-carat gold cuff by Susan Wexler for extra bling.

Gloria Petri: "You can still wear black."

Like this four-ply dress with silk organza. Just add a splash of color with turquoise jewelry, or jump into spring in a flowy silk chiffon gown in pink, blue and yellow.

Gloria Petri: "There's nothing more beautiful than seeing a beautiful gown on a woman, when she walks the fabric flows."

Lace will make you feel ladylike. Add a pearl and topaz necklace with drop earrings. Light metallics are another big trend this season, like this gown with shades of silver and copper. The bottom line when choosing your gala gown, Gloria says, make sure it's right for you!

Gloria Petri: "The trend could be wonderful, but if it doesn't look good on you, you don't feel good about yourself when you're wearing it."

It takes about three months for Gloria to make a gown depending on the details.

Custom-made dresses start at $2,500 and go up from there.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Neiman Marcus
390 San Lorenzo Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Tel: 786-999-1000

Gloria Couture
1060 Kane Concourse
Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154
Tel: 305-864-1090